Are you a digital nomad seeking a work from home opportunity in Dubai? Look no further than the Dubai Remote Work Visa. This visa offers a great option for remote workers who are looking to live and work in Dubai. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to apply for the Dubai Remote Work Visa. Here are the steps you can follow to apply for this visa:
Table of Contents
What is the Dubai Remote Work Visa?
The Dubai Remote Work Visa enables people employed by foreign companies to secure a resident visa for remote work and live in the UAE. This visa is valid for a year and can be extended every year thereafter.
Under this program, individuals can access all the regular services available to residents in Dubai, such as banking, telecommunications, utilities, rental workspaces, healthcare, and education. It allows remote workers from any country to work and reside in the UAE while collaborating with or working for foreign firms.
The program has no restrictions on nationality.
Process of Applying for Remote Work Visa in Dubai
Eligibility criteria for Remote Work Visa in Dubai
To apply for the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa/ Remote Work Visa, you must be a freelancer, entrepreneur, or an employee working remotely for a foreign company. Further, other requirements include having a passport with at least 6 months of validity, health insurance with UAE coverage, and proof of employment or business ownership.
Employees must have a minimum monthly salary of $3000 and provide a one-year contract validity, as well as their last month’s payslip and three preceding months’ bank statements. Business owners must show proof of ownership for at least a year, have an average monthly income of $5,000, and provide three preceding months’ bank statements.
Required documents for Remote Work Visa in Dubai
To apply for the visa, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A passport copy
- A passport-sized photograph
- Proof of health insurance coverage for the UAE
- A copy of your employment contract (if you’re an employee working remotely for a foreign company)
- A copy of your trade license (if you’re a freelancer or entrepreneur)
- A bank statement showing that you have a minimum of $5,000 in your account
Questionnaire particulars for Remote Work visa in Dubai
Information you may be asked to provide:
- Mother’s name :
- Permanent address as per Passport :
- Mobile number
- Education
- Marital Status
- Religion
- If you are inside the UAE, a copy of the Entry Permit Stamp on the Passport page & a copy of the E-visa is required.
Application Submissions for Remote Work Visa in Dubai
You can apply for the Dubai Remote Work Visa/ Digital Nomad Visa through the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai. Fill out the application form and upload the required documents.
Visa fees for Remote Work Visa in Dubai
The visa fees for the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa are AED 1060 (approximately $287). You can pay the fees online through the GDRFA website.
Turnaround time for Dubai remote Work Visa approval
Once you have submitted your application and paid the fees, you will need to wait for the visa approval. The processing time for the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa is around 10 days.
Entry After Approval of Dubai remote Work Visa
The applicant must enter the country 60 days from the date of issuance to compete the procedures regarding the residence visa. The permit will be invalid if the applicant fails to enter the country.
Get the visa stamped on your passport
If your visa is approved, you will receive an email with a copy of your visa. You will need to print out the visa and get it stamped on your passport post your medicals when you arrive in Dubai.
Book your flight and accommodation
Once you have your visa, you can book your flight and accommodation in Dubai. You can stay in Dubai for up to 12 months with the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa.
Documents required to apply for Remote Work visa for Dubai
To apply for the digital nomad visa for Dubai, you will need to gather and submit the following documents:
- Passport: You will need to have a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months of validity left. This means that your passport should not expire within the next 6 months from the date of your visa application.
- Health insurance: You will need to have health insurance with UAE coverage. This means that your insurance should be valid in the UAE and cover any medical expenses that you may incur during your stay in the country.
- Proof of employment: If you are an employee, you will need to provide proof of employment from your current employer with a one-year contract validity. This can include a letter from your employer stating your job title, salary, and the duration of your contract.
- Payslips and bank statements: You will also need to provide your last month’s payslip and three preceding months’ bank statements. This is to show that you have a steady source of income and can support yourself during your stay in Dubai.
- Proof of ownership: If you are a business owner, you will need to provide proof of ownership of your company for one year or more. This can include business registration documents, tax returns, and financial statements.
- Bank statements: Finally, you will also need to provide three preceding months’ bank statements. This is to show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Dubai.
It’s important to note that these documents are subject to change and you should check the most up-to-date requirements before applying for the digital nomad visa for Dubai.
Fees for UAE remote work vIsa
The remote work visa application incurs a fee of USD 287 for every applicant, in addition to processing fees and premiums for legal and medical insurance in the UAE. It’s important to note that payment of the processing fee does not guarantee approval of the application.
The UAE government charges a non-refundable fee for all visa applications, including remote work visas. The fee is paid in advance and is non-refundable in case of rejection of the application.
Rejection of UAE Remote Work Visa Applications
Dubai remote work visa applications that do not meet the requirements will be declined electronically after 30 days of being returned to the applicant due to incomplete information or documents. Additionally, if the application has been returned three times for the same reason, it will also be automatically declined.
If the request is declined by the ICP, the financial guarantees are conditionally refundable. The refund process involves crediting the fees back to the credit card within six months of submitting the application. Alternatively, the fees can be recovered through cheque or bank transfer to banks within the country only, and this process can take up to five years.
Validity of Remote Work Visas in UAE
The Dubai remote work visa has a validity of one year, and it may be renewed in accordance with the visa’s terms and conditions.
Required documents & Details for Medical + Emirates ID + Visa
Stamping for Dubai remote Work Visa
- Two recent passport size photographs (less than three months old)
- A colored scanned copy of the original passport
- Bring the original passport for blood tests
- Applicant’s Dubai Full Address with P O box No.
- Mobile No.
- Email ID
- Need to mention medical Centre name
Medical Fees for Dubai remote Work Visa Stamping
The payment amount for medical services varies depending on the chosen option and ranges from AED 1173 to AED 1675. In addition to this, there are additional fees for processing Emirates ID (AED 210) and residency visa (AED 660).
- DHA Normal Service – AED 330.5 to obtain Medical Report within 4 days of Medical Test
- DHA Urgent 48 Hours – AED 532.5 to obtain Medical Report within 2 days of Medical Test
- DHA Urgent 24 Hours Service -AED 632.5 to obtain medical Report within 1 days of Medical Test
- DHA VIP Medical Service 802.5 to obtain medical Report within 4 hours of Medical Test
Benefits of UAE Remote Work Visa
The UAE Remote Work Visa offers many benefits to remote workers, including flexibility, tax benefits, quality of life, and networking opportunities. Remote workers who obtain this visa can enjoy the advantages of living and working in a safe and modern country with a favorable tax environment. Overall, the UAE Remote Work Visa is a great option for those who are looking for a new and exciting place to work remotely.
Dubai Remote Work Visa has Flexibility
The UAE Remote Work Visa offers great flexibility to remote workers. They can work from anywhere in the UAE, as long as they have a valid visa. This means that they can work from the comfort of their own home or from a co-working space, and they are not required to be present in a specific location. This flexibility can be especially beneficial for those who have family or other commitments that prevent them from relocating to a new country.
Dubai Remote Work Visa has Tax Benefits
The UAE has a favorable tax environment, with no income tax or capital gains tax. This means that remote workers who obtain a UAE Remote Work Visa can potentially save a significant amount of money on taxes. Additionally, the cost of living in the UAE can be lower than in other countries, which can further increase cost savings.
Dubai Remote Work Visa Offers Quality of Life
The UAE is known for its high standard of living, with excellent healthcare facilities, modern infrastructure, and a multicultural society. Remote workers who obtain a UAE Remote Work Visa can benefit from these amenities and enjoy a high quality of life. Additionally, the UAE is a safe and secure country, with low crime rates and a stable political environment.
Dubai Remote Work Visa Comes With Networking Opportunities
The UAE is a hub for business and entrepreneurship, with many networking opportunities available to remote workers. These opportunities can be especially valuable for those who are self-employed or who work for startups. Additionally, the UAE is home to many multinational corporations, which can provide remote workers with access to a diverse range of industries and job opportunities.
Background of Remote Work Visa’s in Dubai
Since 2019, the covid-19 pandemic has led to a swift surge in remote work and working from home in the UAE. This transition forced companies to adapt rapidly to this new approach, which has demonstrated numerous benefits. Not only does remote work reduce the need for physical office space, but it also offers greater flexibility and work-life balance.
Moreover, communication tools such as video conferencing and instant messaging have become crucial for remote work, and their usage has significantly increased over the past five years. Additionally, there has been a shift in company policies, with more firms offering flexible work arrangements and embracing remote work, which benefits both employees and companies.
However, some concerns exist about the long-term impact of remote work on the economy and job market, including a potential decline in the commercial real estate market. Despite these concerns, the UAE’s proactive safety protocols and vaccination program have enabled on-site working for employees.
In December 2022, Airbnb launched the Dubai remote working hub, allowing people to live and work in the emirate while promoting the city’s economic benefits. Furthermore, remote work has created new job opportunities since companies can now hire employees from anywhere in the world.
In summary, the trend of remote work in Dubai and working from home in the UAE emerged quickly due to the covid-19 pandemic, presenting both advantages and challenges. However, this trend is likely to continue, and companies must adapt and embrace this new way of working. Ultimately, remote work has already had a profound impact on the way we work and live, and its effects may be long-lasting.
Interested in a UAE Remote Work Visa?
Let Wirestork handle your Dubai Remote Work Visa Application
Do I need a visa to work remotely from Dubai?
If you are a digital nomad searching for a visa to work remotely in the UAE, then yes, a visa is mandatory and the Dubai Remote Work Visa may be the perfect solution for you. With this visa, you can work from Dubai without the need for a local sponsor.
Can I work remotely for Dubai?
With the Dubai Remote Work Visa, you can work from the comfort of your own home in Dubai or explore the city’s many coworking spaces. And best of all, you can do it all without worrying about the cost of a local sponsor.
Do digital nomads pay tax in Dubai?
Dubai does not have a personal income tax, which means that individuals who work and earn income within the UAE are not subject to income tax. However, if a digital nomad is a tax resident of another country, they may be required to pay taxes on their worldwide income in that country. Many countries have tax laws that require their citizens or residents to report and pay taxes on their income regardless of where it is earned. Therefore, digital nomads who are tax residents of countries that have such laws may be required to pay taxes on their income earned while living and working in Dubai.
How much is cost of living in Dubai?
The cost of living in Dubai can vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits, but generally speaking, it is considered to be one of the more expensive cities in the world. Some of the factors that can contribute to the cost of living in Dubai include accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.
Accommodation is often one of the biggest expenses in Dubai, with rental prices varying based on the area and the type of housing. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around AED 4,500-7,000 per month, while a similar apartment outside of the city center may cost around AED 3,000-5,000 per month.
Food can also be expensive in Dubai, especially if you choose to eat out at restaurants frequently. However, there are also many affordable options available, such as street food and local markets. On average, a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Dubai can cost around AED 60-100.
Transportation costs in Dubai can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. Taxis can be expensive, but public transportation such as the Dubai Metro and buses are generally more affordable. A one-way ticket on the Dubai Metro can cost around AED 3-8, depending on the distance.
Entertainment and leisure activities can also contribute to the cost of living in Dubai. Popular attractions such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall can be quite expensive, but there are also many free or low-cost options available, such as visiting public parks and beaches.